Special Sundays

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day, on Nov. 1, is observed in worship on the Sunday before or after. This is a time of remembering loved ones who have died during the year. Worship will include a ritual of remembrance and the lighting of candles.

Reconciling Sunday

Every year Dumbarton marks the anniversary of becoming a Reconciling Congregation with a special worship service on the last Sunday before Lent. This time of celebration weaves together our commitment to full inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons with the fun of Mardi Gras. On this Sunday, a pancake brunch follows.

Inter-America Sunday

Inter-America Sunday is typically held on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. We remember the struggle for justice and freedom in Central and South America. We celebrate the international connections that our congregation has with Nicaragua, Honduras, Uruguay and other Central and South American countries. Many of these relationships have their roots in the congregation's commitment to the Sanctuary Movement, when we provided shelter for America Sosa and other refugees.

Middle East Peace Sunday

Dumbarton longs for, prays for, and works for peace in the Middle East -- particularly for Palestine and Israel. A Sunday dedicated to this ministry is observed the week following Easter. Our "Holyland Pilgrims" committee works tirelessly throughout the year advocating for peace and justice for all persons in Palestine/Israel.

Christmas

December 25 through January 5 is the church season of Christmas, when we celebrate God’s love for the world revealed in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Dumbarton offers Christmas Eve service(s) on December 24 (Please check the worship schedule for specific times each year).

Easter

Christ Is Risen! Christ Is Risen Indeed!

Easter celebrations include the Saturday night Easter Vigil service and the Sunday morning celebration. The Vigil follows a traditional pattern of gathering outside in the dark and processing together into a darkened sanctuary where Dumbartonians share in the recounting of the sweep of Biblical history through story and song and dance and acting culminating in the good news of the resurrection. This service includes baptism and/or baptism remembrance and holy communion. The Sunday morning celebration is a time of rejoicing in the good news of Easter morning. Our design team works together to transform the sanctuary from its Lenten somberness into a visual “Alleluia.”